In many ways, people seem to worry less here. I see a family of 4 riding one motorcycle: the 2 year old straddling the gas tank in front of the driver followed by the 4 year old behind the driver with arms wrapped around the driver and a 4th person in the back—no helmets!

Time spent in the coffee shop or sitting outside talking seems to lack the schedule that my normal life puts on these things.

After dinner we retire to the hallway outside the eating hall to pay Chinese checkers or cards.

I’ve not met a single person that has seemed stressed; rather more of the opposite. Relaxed, friendly, and just present in the moment.

One of my many faults is thinking too far ahead, contingency planning and over thinking things. Observing Guatemalans teaches you that being present in this moment with this person in this conversation are what is most important.